John Travolta dedicates first directorial project to late wife, son, and family

The deaths of John Travolta's wife and son could have easily shackled him in a dark, lonely place. Instead of dwelling in that space, Travolta used his deep personal grief as fuel for his creativity.  The result: he directs, writes and co-produces “Propeller One-Way Night Coach" which he dedicated not only to his late wife and son, but also to his family. 

In an interview with the Italian newspaper La Republica, Travolta said the project is closely tied to his own life experiences. He dedicated it to his late son, Jett, late wife Kelly, and also to his parents and siblings, explaining that they shaped the emotional core of the film.

The 72-year-old actor reflected on the losses that changed his life, including the death of his son Jett in 2009 after a seizure that caused a fatal fall, and the passing of his wife, actress Kelly Preston in 2020 after a two-year battle with breast cancer. Travolta and Preston were married for nearly 29 years, from 1991 until her death, and had three children: Ella Bleu, Benjamin, and Jett.

Despite everything he has gone through, Travolta said he still tries to stay focused on the positive. He explained that life has “tested” him, but he naturally looks for the light even in difficult moments, adding that he can face darkness without letting himself be consumed by it.

He also spoke about wanting the film to feel sincere and rooted in childlike hope. Children, for him, have a natural resilience and optimism that adults often forget, and that perspective shapes the film’s tone.

The story itself is semi-autobiographical, inspired by his own first flight as a child and is based on his 1997 book of the same name, according to People. 

Set in 1962, it follows an 8-year-old boy named Jeff as he sees the United States in his first airline trip. While told from a child’s perspective, it still touches on heavier themes. Travolta’s daughter, actress Ella Bleu Travolta, 26, also appears in the film.

Earlier, the “Grease” actor presented “Propeller One-Way Night Coach" at the Cannes Film Festival in May, where he received a surprise honorary Palme d’Or. 

He celebrated on Instagram after the film reached number one on Apple TV’s top 10 films worldwide, saying it had held the top spot for seven straight days. The film is his directorial debut.